Fly ash from RTPP poses health hazard to villagers

Kadapa: Negligence on part of the Rayalaseema Thermal Power Plant (RTPP) in taking adequate safety measures and laxity of the AP Pollution Control Board (APPCB) is leading to an increase in pollution in villages within the radius of 1 km from the plant. These villages fall under Yerraguntla mandal. Fly ash spewed from the chimney of the plant is causing eye infection, tuberculosis and other respiratory diseases.

According to the sources, many people in these villages are undergoing treatment at various private hospitals in Kadapa district. There is every danger of some of them losing their vision because of the infections, sources said.

The RTPP is comprising 4 units and 6 plants located in Kalamalla village producing 1,655 megawatts power by utilising about 20,000 tonnes of coal every day. They are reportedly using sub-standard coal leading to production of flay ash.

"Fly ash which is emanating from the RTPP not only contaminating water but also creating health problems to villagers. Despite this issue was brought to the notice of the RTPP management on several occasions but they are least bothered," M Padmanabha Reddy, a villager of Kallamala said.

When contacted by The Hans India, RTPP Chief Engineer and Appellate Authority M S V Subrahmanyam admitted that the RTPP emanating fly ash due to less quality coal is being supplied by Singareni Collieries from Telangana State. "Producing 15 per cent of fly ash by thermal power production units is permissible.

But, the RTPP is producing 30 per cent of fly ash. The RTPP management has brought the issue to the notice of the State government to rectify the problem related to supply of substandard coal," he stated. However, Subrahmanyam denied fly ash is responsible for severe health issues to the villagers.